TOKYO: The Japanese government will listen to the opinions of local governments in Hokkaido, northern Japan, after sending them a report this autumn or later on the ongoing literature survey, the first stage of the process of selecting a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear plants, industry minister SAITO Ken said Thursday.

The town of Suttsu and the village of Kamoenai were the first in the country to accept such a survey. A draft of the upcoming report has suggested that the two municipalities could move on to the second stage of the selection process.

However, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki said in a statement earlier this month that he would oppose the two municipalities hosting a final disposal site.

At a press conference on Thursday, Saito said that the municipalities would be removed from the selection process if opposition is expressed.

JIJI Press